Saskatchewan Horse Federation Holds Provincial Finals On Weekend

By Robert Thomas

Fuel Prices Hit Sport But Does Not Diminish Horse Power

High fuel prices may have reduced the number of competitors throughout the year at horse shows province-wide but from Friday to Sunday the best 30 horses and riders were in Moose Jaw for the Saskatchewan Horse Federation Heritage Provincial Finals.

The horses and riders competed in a number of equine disciplines that had them bending poles, jumping, dressage, English riding, Western riding, speed events, showmanship, horsemanship and everything in between. Athletes ranged in age from eight to 65 years of age.

Greg Laroque executive director of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation (SHA) said for the federation it has been a better year than last year as far as turnouts to the events leading up to the Finals in Moose Jaw.

“For us last year going through COVID last year we had to cancel because of not enough entries so it was an easy way to get back into it our normal routine,” Laroque said, adding “We had athletes doing our provincial finals with the horse federation. They had qualified throughout the year to come to Moose Jaw and do the finals.”

As far as enthusiasm and desire to compete the Moose Jaw event did not lack either, he said. The Moose Jaw event went well with not only the 30 athletes and their horses competing but also a large contingent of parents, grandparents and others showed up as part of the event.

Dior Stringer from Moose Jaw, SK aboard Crackin Kisses competes in pole bending - MJ Independent photo

Weekend Ribbon Haul - It is traditional for competitors to decorate their stall with ribbons and other assorted items for pictures before heading home - MJ Independent photo

Raylin Bidaux from Eastend, SK aboard Zips Whim competes in pole bending on Sunday afternoon - MJ Independent photo

In order to compete in the provincial Finals in Moose Jaw athletes and horses had to qualify at regional events held throughout the province.

Horsemanship wise the event was high quality.

“It’s higher quality (horsemanship). Again a lot of the youth they are in the learning stages so you can see improvement in some of these kids even from Friday and throughout the weekend,” Laroque said, adding “we are seeing some folks coming back. Just chatting to a few of the folks in here they are excited and they want to help us get better. That is one of the things they are giving us suggestions to get better (and get the numbers of participants higher).”

Fuel Price A Big Factor Throughout Season

The numbers for people competing in SHA equine events is down this year due to the price of fuel, he said.

The same thing has been noticed in the rodeo circuit - not part of the SHA’s umbrella - where high fuel and feed prices due to drought has limited the number of competitors at many events.

Despite not having the numbers they had pre-COVID pandemic in this year’s Heritage horse show circuit he said it was important to still come out for a competitor and operational perspective and have the series and the final.

Competitor-wise there are many people who wanted to compete following COVID and holding the events was important. From an operational perspective not holding the circuit and the Finals for another year would make it more difficult to organize in future years, Laroque said.

“One of the challenges we have had this year, even at the events to qualify for this and talking to a few people fuel prices are hitting everybody really hard. Especially when you are dragging a trailer with a horse in it.”

Olivia McKeown from Moose Jaw, SK aboard Treasure competes in pole racing - MJ Independent photo

Kyleigh Schmalz from Shellbrook, SK contemplates her next ride - MJ Independent photo

“That is the big thing coming out of COVID. Fuel prices are twice what they were going into COVID so it was a big challenge.”

There is a positive though and that is people competing in events are able to and are taking action to reduce the potential spread of COVID - 19.

“I don’t think we had people timid about COVID. The fuel prices caused more issues for people. They were able to do things through COVID. Not as much as normal but fuel prices just kind of smacked people…you come through COVID and you are just starting to get back to normal and it is costing you twice as much (to compete),” Laroque said, adding “they have to make choices on what they are going to do. So instead of doing five they are doing three shows.”

On a positive note though is the majority of people not attending events is not because they have sold their horses and quit the sport but the fuel costs have them not coming out to events in the numbers they have in the past, he said.

Danielle Belanger from Drinkwater, SK aboard Star Force B Skippin competing in pole bending - MJ Independent photo

Annika Wonnick and Kabri Nogue both from Moose Jaw, SK wait for their turns to compete - MJ Independent photo

As far as attendance at Moose Jaw’s event there were people who traveled from the northeastern part of the province to compete in the Heritage Provincial Finals.

Despite the dip in numbers throughout the year the stables in the barns were decked out in the traditional ribbon displays.

Veda Stringer from Swift Current, SK aboard Kitty Star competes in pole banding - MJ Independent photo

Happy About Being Awarded A Ribbon - MJ Independent photo

For more information on the Saskatchewan Horse Federation check out there Facebook Page by clicking here.